Each year, travel photography blogCapture the Atlasputs on an awards competition to find theMilky Way Photographer of the Year.
This year, 25 of the best photos have been selected from entries from all around the world. Photographers from 12 countries including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, Egypt, France and more have submitted images to be judged.
As you’ll see, the quality of these images is astounding. They also require a lot of effort to craft - patience, timing and a clear sky as well.
Perseid meteor shower on Mangart saddle
Uroš Fink took this photo at the Julian Alps in Slovenia. Complete with meteors and magnificent light.
Uroš Fink took this photo at the Julian Alps in Slovenia. Apparently, there was a tough time capturing this shot as the weather wasn’t playing nice and there were clouds obscuring the sky at some points during the night.
However, meteors conveniently brightened up the night and helped add even more character to the view.
Path to the past
This fantastic photograph was taken at a now privately owned castle which dates back to the fifteenth century.
This fantastic photograph was taken at a now privately owned castle which dates back to the fifteenth century. It’s located in a perfect spot in the Spanish region of Extremadura, where the land is uninhabited and the night sky isn’t ruined by light pollution.
As such it’s a perfect haunt for astrophotographers but not well known to the rest of the world.
Winter sky over the mountains
This photo comes from the mountains of Low Tatras, Slovakia. Where the beauty of the galaxy can be viewed with the naked eye with ease.
This photo was snapped with an astro-modified camera in order to capture more detail with special filters.
It also took special effort with the temperatures dropping below 14°C that night.
Here Nick Faulkner has shown the wonders on offer in the skies above New Zealand.
Who knew that New Zealand was such a great spot for astrophotography? We already knew it was a beautiful country, but here Nick Faulkner has shown the wonders above the land as well.
“This Alpine region is one of my favourite places to photograph the stars, as it is to so many other passionate dark sky enthusiasts. The formations of hundreds of giant weathered limestone tors that erupt from mother earth, make for incredible subjects to capture. Add a late winter snow fall to that and it doesn’t get much better.”
Vinchina blue nights
Gonzalo Javier Santile was in this location in La Rioja, Argentina for five days, exploring the lands before taking this photo.
There are various landmarks nearby including the Corona del Inca crater but not much light pollution. So wonderful opportunities for the patient astrophotographer.
Galactic Kiwi
Here Evan McKay managed to hike up and shoot a great image of the setting arch of the Milky Way with
Mount Taranaki looming large in the foreground.
This image is a testament to effort. This wasn’t the first time Evan McKay had taken a photo at this mountain, but he thought he could do better.
Here he managed to hike up and shoot a great image of the setting arch of the Milky Way withMount Taranaki looming large in the foreground.
Lightning the Milky Way
This photo was taken in Dahaidao Desert, Xinjiang, China. With the rocky hills backdropped by the wonder of the Milky Way.
Not just a beautiful image of the Milky Way but also a breathtaking photo of the Dahaidao Desert in Xinjiang, China. The rocky surroundings have been eroded by fierce winds blowing through the desert over time. The result is a wonderful view of nature and the insignificance of man.
Nookampa Reflections
This photo shows a view of the Milky Way, not only reflected in the still waters of the lake, but also juxtaposed by the dead trees in the foreground.
Taken at Lake Bonney (aka Nookampa), South Australia, this photo shows an intriguing view of the Milky Way, not only reflected in the still waters of the lake, but also juxtaposed by the dead trees in the foreground. A growing universe and a dying planet?
Another astounding astrophotography highlight from the shores of New Zealand.
Another astounding astrophotography highlight from the shores of New Zealand. This photo by Rachel Roberts was taken at Motukiekie on the West Coast and shows “a truly unique area where our southern Milky Way’s galactic core sets over the ancient sea stacks and exposed reefs.”
Previous entries
These photos are just a sample of those entered in the2022 Milky Way Photographer of the Year competition, be sure to take a look at the rest over atCapture the Atlas.
We’ve also included photos from last year below for your enjoyment.
